Why Balluff was selected: Balluff had 10 touches for 127 yards and four touchdowns in the Knights’ 55-0 romp at Yorkville on Friday, and also snagged an interception that set up another score.

Kaneland junior Jesse Balluff emerged as a top running back last season. He did not become a starting safety until Week 5 of this year. In the few days since, he has wasted little time in making an impact on defense, helping Kaneland remain unbeaten as it prepares to host longtime rival Sycamore this week. Balluff keyed the Knights’ most recent victory – Friday’s 55-0 rout of Yorkville – with four touchdowns and an interception, earning distinction as the St. Charles Bank & Trust-Kane County Chronicle Athlete of the Week. Chronicle sports reporter Kevin Druley caught up with Balluff about his performance. The following is an edited transcript:

What went into you playing safety?
I think just because we have so much depth. I was playing it since the start of the season, but Dylan [Nauert] was starting, and then they put me in later. So it just was a case where I get in there more now, and he’s getting in, too.

Talk about this team’s quiet confidence. You do so well, and you never seem to yell about it.
We feel great. We don’t want to take any steps back at all, so every week, we’re just working harder and harder and getting better and better and we’re feeling good.

What’s your toughest class this semester?
Probably U.S. history. I’m not a history guy.

How about your favorite sports movie?
“Friday Night Lights.” I actually just saw that and it was pretty sweet. ... The music gets me and the team, how it represents football, it just gives me that feeling of football, and I like it.